Iranian female footballers ‘proud’ to become Australian

06-Aug-2026

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Two former Iranian female footballers say they are “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, who were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on August 5 overseen by Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke, were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for protection from the host country following the high-profile protest during the Women’s Asian Cup in March.